Leaves are falling all around, It’s time I was on my way.
Thanks to you, I’m much obliged for such a pleasant stay.
But now it’s time for me to go. The autumn moon lights my way.
Led Zeppelin — Ramble On
The music festival season doesn’t end with Labor Day. Fall is one of the best times for catching a big show. Temperatures are cooler, crowds are smaller, and mosquitoes are dead. Pack a coat for the evening and check out our selections for the concerts that we are most excited to see this autumn.
1. The Voodoo Experience
October 29-31
Halloween. New Orleans. Festival. If that gets your heart pounding, then you’re heading south to Louisiana and one of the best-reviewed music festivals of 2009. Last year’s headliners included KISS, Jane’s Addiction, The Flaming Lips, and Eminem.
2. Fun Fun Fun Fest
November 6-8
Forget the cowboy hats and BBQ, Austin is the lone alternative outpost in the grand old state of Texas. And nothing symbolizes its outlaw status better than this indie-rock festival held in Waterloo Park. You’ll catch four stages of hip hop, punk, hardcore, comedy, and alternative rock all for one cheap price.
3. All Tomorrow’s Parties: New York
September 3-5
ATP is well known for throwing the biggest benders throughout the UK, and their New York festival is no different. Forget camping. This festival parties down at a posh Monticello country club. It’s a classy affair featuring a killer lineup that includes Sonic Youth, Mudhoney, and Iggy and the Stooges.
4. Treasure Island
October 16-17
As you’re crossing the another bridge into San Francisco, you’ll pass right through tiny Treasure Island. This sleepy hamlet has been playing host to one of the Bay’s biggest festivals for the last three years. Girl Talk, MSTRKRFT, and Yo La Tengo are just a few of the many alumni. Bring a sweater. It gets chilly at night.
5. Austin City Limits
October 8-10
They’re catching a lot of flak for booking The Eagles as a headliner, but ACL is still one of the biggest festivals of the fall season. You don’t like The Eagles? That’s cool. There are over hundred other artists performing.
6. Bear Creek Down By The River
November 12-14
One of the last chances for a 2010 blowout is a jam fest led by always entertaining Umphrey’s Mcgee. It’s also the only festival in this list that offers camping for the weekend.
7. MusicFest Northwest
September 9-12
It’s a little known secret that September in the Northwest is actually pleasant. That doesn’t mean there won’t be showers, but with MFNW’s massive lineup of acts scattered through the city, you won’t be stuck outside. Join Portland’s city-wide pub crawl for five days of indie rock.
8. Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival
September 4-6
Bumbershoot may have Bob Dylan and Weezer as headliners, but they also have a smorgasbord of film, dance, comedy, spoken word, and theater. You’re sure to find something interesting the 74 acre Seattle Center before it’s over.
9. North Coast Festival
September 3-5
This newbie festival takes place in Chicago’s Union Park. Temperatures may be cool, but the lineup is sure to warm you up with acts including The Chemical Brothers, Cold War Kids, and Moby.
10. Hopscotch Festival
September 9-11
Raleigh plays host to this three day celebration of indie rock put on by the Independent Weekly. This first-year festival features 120 plus acts scattered through nine clubs around town. An $85 wristband gets you into everything.